Big Summer Fun

6.18-6.25.08
Big Summer Fun

In this week’s issue:

Now is the time to turn off your big screen, and get outside for some big summer fun. Rev up your mouse to click on our videos of the new LEAF program bringing fresh produce to your neighborhood, and the irrepressible Steve Presser of Big Fun announcing Coventry Village’s summer outdoor film series, plus previews of GroundWorks’ 10th anniversary, First Light’s reunion, and the new disc from The Magpies. Click away on the profiles of Earl Pike of the AIDS Task Force, Mr. Ohio Gay Pride Erica Martinez, and Dr. Neal Chandler, Cleveland’s Literary Godfather. Deep link to Roldo’s story on big media’s downsizing, and Mansfield’s reflection on his own coming of age in the ghetto. It’s time for us all to come of age this summer, and the links below should help. —Thomas Mulready

Annie Stahlheber
LEAF, Lakewood Earth & Food Community

Annie Stahlheber is the vivacious organizer for LEAF Community in Lakewood, a

volunteer supported community group bent on bringing fresh, locally grown food to Lakewood. The acronym stands for Lakewood Earth and Food Community.

Working with City Fresh, the city-wide organization funded through the New Agrarian Center in Oberlin, and Covered Bridges, a farm network located east of Cleveland, the public can pre-order shares of produce which are delivered to Fresh Stops weekly. Volunteers unload a truck-full of in-season veggies and fruits, grown no more than 75 miles away, and sort them into “shares.” A festive atmosphere, complete with live music and guest vendors, greets customers from 5:30-8PM Thursday evenings on the plaza of the Lakewood Public Library, as participants pick up their shares, exchange recipes, and hang out.

Over the next few weeks, look for four community gardens popping up in city parks throughout Lakewood, organized by LEAF. http://www.LEAFcommunity.org

Been to Any Community Festivals Lately?

Summertime might as well be called festival time. In Cleveland, we do festivals well. We get tired of looking at the walls all winter and open our doors wide to summer. Now it’s time to have fun outdoors at community festivals. In the last two weeks, I’ve detailed a fair number of arts and culture festival happenings; this week, in my final of three installments, I touch on the wealth of community festivals here in our fair city. Celebrations are well underway as a quick examination of this week’s events in Cool Cleveland suggest – Wade Oval Wednesdays and the run of Coventry Street Fairs have started. And there are plenty of other community festivals that aren’t too far behind (some might say all festivals are community festivals). In any case, grab your PDA, planer or Rolodex calendar and start marking down some of these great festive events…

Read more from Claudia J. Taller here

Wild Child Wonders Don’t be left indoors this summer! Explore the great outdoors this summer at The Holden Arboretum now through early September. Kids can roll down a hill, dig in the dirt, weave in a giant loom with plants and see if they can jump as far as a grasshopper. Crawl in and out of secret plant hideaways, water plants, catch a frog, float a boat and build a shelter with sticks! And that’s just the beginning. Learn more at http://www.holdenarb.org.

Train Day Experience the sights and sound of the railroads! Visitors, young and old, will enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day including model train exhibits – featuring G-scale, N-scale and S-scale Sat 6/21 from noon – 4PM. Join the train spotters listening to engineers talking as trains pass high above the reservation and the canal, make train crafts, ride the kids’ train, enjoy musical entertainment, hike the “hobo trail,” and much more! No cost, open to the public. Call 206-1000 for more info. CanalWayCenter, Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, Cuyahoga Hts.http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com.

Invent It! Rockets This Cleveland Children’s Museum Family Workshop launches (natch) Sat 6/21 at 12:30PM (repeats the following Sat 6/28 w/ same start time). Design and launch your very own family rocket and learn how shape, weight and design affect your construction and flight. Participants will build and take home their model rockets! When you’re through, there are experiments to continue at home! Recommended for children ages 3 – 8 years. http://www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org.

Willoughby Cruise-In Our Managing Editor’s everyman tendencies come out every time he hits this fab auto fest, held in the town center of Willoughby on Sat 6/21 from 4 – 10PM. The “cruise-in” car parade features hundreds of classic autos dating back many decades; it’s all followed by a display of the participating vehicles, live music, food and much more. Kids love it. Find a black 1979 Pontiac Trans-Am (like the Smokey & the Bandit car) and you might find a middle-aged kid named Chakerian standing there and drooling over it, too. http://www.willoughbyfrontierdays.com/cruise_in.htm.

Bug Bash & Chrysalis The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes offers these two great kid-geared bug event Sun 6/22 from 3 – 9PM at 2600 S. Park Blvd. Families with kids ages up to 8 are encouraged to come and check out the Bug Bash, complete with bug bouncer, face painting, a “tattoo” parlor, a family scavenger hunt, a magician and a Rockin’ Dance Party! The “Chrysalis” is for kids ages 9-14 and includes crafts, a “Wheel of Nature,” a bean bag toss, Build Your Own Sundae bar, a fortune teller and a Rockin’ Dance Party. At both events there will be a carnival-themed dinner and a pest bar for parents. RSVP required; call 321-5935. http://www.shakerlakes.org.

Snakes & Such Lake Metroparks and the Northern Ohio Association of Herpetologists (NOAH) present this family-fun event filled with opportunities to get “up close and personal” with live snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs, and more! The event will be held at the Penitentiary Glen Nature Center on Sun 6/22, with a focus on up-close encounters with captive reptiles and amphibians. http://www.lakemetroparks.com.

The Third Annual Filipino Festival will be held on Sun 6/22 from 9AM – 6PM at the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center, 1975 W. Ridgewood Dr., Parma. The event features various Filipino vendors, cultural dances and performances and authentic Filipino food. This event is no-cost, open to the public. Email rsantos@lakelandcc.edu or call 440-525-7417 for more info.

Walking with Dinosaurs: the Live Experience Think Jurassic Park set up in a sports arena (albeit more historically accurate). It’s an extravaganza, one 65 million years in the making. Dinosaurs will roam the Earth again, this time at Quicken Loans Arena in the form of a huge, arena-sized multimedia program launching Wed 6/25 and running through the weekend. http://www.dinosaurlive.com. http://www.theqarena.com.

Reaching Students with Hip-Hop Culture Progressive Arts Alliance and Shaker Heights Public Library present this event Tue 6/24 at 7PM at the Library, 16500 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Heights. Learn how Progressive Arts Alliance is successfully reaching students through the arts with hip-hop culture! Hear more about the valuable learning opportunity PAA’s Hip-Hop Summer Arts Camp provides for students. Listen to stories from parents, educators, and PAA professional artist-educators and discover how PAA is expanding the field of arts education. There is no fee for the program; however, reservations are requested by calling 772-4PAA (4722) or email paainfo@paalive.org. http://www.paalive.org.

Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events for kids & families from 11-year-old Cool Cleveland Kids correspondent Max.

Click here to subscribe to the Cool Cleveland Kids Podcast in iTunes.

Steve Presser
Coventry Village & Big Fun

Steve Presser is one happy guy. Not only is he a founding member of the Coventry Village Special Improvement District, he’s also the proprietor of Big Fun, the wacky novelty store that’s delighted adults & kids for years.

Listen up and hear about Coventry Village’s latest Summer Movies schedule, an outdoor film fest running from Thu 6/19 thru August 21st on the lawn of the old Coventry School. Kicking off the season will be Pee Wee’s Big Adventure complete with a bike rodeo- decorate your bike & join the chaos. Band concerts will begin at 7PM as part of the Coventry Street Fair and films around 9:15PM. Don’t miss a beat, see the film Drumline on Thu 7/3 with live drumlines competing in the street beforehand and get slammed at the pie-fight (BYOP) as a grand finale to a Marx Bros. film on Thu 7/31.

Coventry is one of Cleveland’s grooviest spots, so come out and pack some Big Fun into your summer!

http://www.coventryvillage.org

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The Great Lakes Basin Compact is one of the most important things happening related to our most bountiful natural resource here in the Lake Erie Region. Click and then Click Again
If you’re following the links above it might help to keep tabs on GlueSpace as well. Click
CAC Project Support grants announced and some 54 orgs will share $1M. http://www.cacgrants.org.
WSJ tackles child obesity from Cle doorsteps in this very engaging piece. Click
Rep. Kucinich claims website was attacked after his articles of impeachment vs. Pres Bush were delivered. So, you can find them here and here
Are you hip to Tunes from Tales w/ Armistead Maupin? If not, this NCMC link should help you. Click
“They Never Saw It Coming” but your friends at CC did and now you do. Click
Ratzenburger’s Made in America features Old Arcade as a part of their ongoing series. Click
Did you know that Sally Ride became the first American woman in space 25 years ago this month? When we heard, we felt old. But it’s inspired something really cool locally. To the Stars!
Virtual symposium helping to brainstorm, save n’hood with unique approach. Click
Cle Sports Commission receives national award as “Commission of the Year.” Click
Haunted Cleveland focusing on the Torso Murders with their latest round of tours. Click
Transportation high on your local agenda? You might consider clicking here. Then head to this ODOT conversation here
Ever been to an Emporium Auction? Better free up your weekend! Click
Adv tix for hot local-based indies the Black Keys at EJ Thomas, Akron can be found by clicking here
Looking for adventure in downtown Cle? Sign up for Adult Guardianship Services’ annual scavenger hunt, Mystery in the City! Fun for all ages! Click
LeBron James Family Foundation event in Akron has a HUGE list of athletes, stars in addition to providing bicycles to Akron kids. Local Guy Continues to Make Good

The “Usual Suspects” from WENZ-FM 107.9 radio’s heyday appeared at the screening of filmmaker Mike Wendt’s premiere on Sat 6/14 at the Cleveland Institute of Art’s Cinematheque. Pictured in this photo by P. Shaia from L to R: Maria Farina, Jim Benson, Mike Wendt, Pat the Producer, Sue Csendes, Christina Grozik, Vic Gideon and Angela Hetrick. Read Christine Young’s assessment of the film and evening in this week’s CC Instant Karma section at the bottom of the e-blast.

HOT Art depot Tregoning & Co celebrate 25 years starting with a shindig this Fri 6/20. A must-see, must-be-at for the art lover in you. The Master Works celebration is unveiled at 6PM with a reception. Click

Magic goes global! Abracadabra! Everyday Magic exhibit at the Cle Children’s Museum selected from competing designs submitted by some of the best children’s museums in the country by Design Unlimited, LLC from Dubai, UAE, for installation at a Children’s Exposition there this summer! Wow!

Fifteen Cleveland women are profiled in a documentary film for TV Slovenia. 100% Slovenian: Stories of Slovenian Women in America makes its Cle debut at the Euclid Library on Thu 6/19. C-town is the country’s Slovenian capital; the film was well-received in recent European festivals, and nominated for a Slovenian “Emmy” award. Call 496-4646 or visit http://www.euclidlibrary.org/Public/home.asp.

Cool Cleveland Podcast Weekly roundup of cool events, in an easy-to-digest 3 minute audio format, for playback on your computer or iPod.

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GroundWorks Starts 10th Anniversary @ Cain Park

There’s no business like show business. A world premiere, a revival, concert dancing to live, improvised jazz and to exotic world music also performed live, a guest artist’s choreography set to recordings dripping with nostalgia: That’s GroundWorks Dance Theater’s upcoming concerts at Cain Park’s Alma Theater this weekend. Cool Cleveland caught up with the company’s Artistic Director David Shimotakahara and Musical Director Gustavo Aguilar (pictured here) to gather their thoughts on the upcoming performances.

Shimotakahara told us that his new work for the company, “Lights Up,” “evolved out of a piece we did for the Ground Works benefit at the Bop Stop last April. By all accounts I missed a good party there and I just wanted to see the piece for myself,” he laughed. Since we also had to miss the Bop Stop benefit, we asked Shimotakahara to characterize “Lights Up.” “I think it’s about the interplay of the dancing and the music; it’s quirky, hopefully very funny in places, and entertaining; we’ve been working with live music with improvisational elements for a while now and hopefully this piece takes us a little further down that path.”
Read more from Victor Lucas and Elsa Johnson here

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

HOT Wade Oval Wednesdays With live music, creative kids fun and tasty treats — not even to mention to beautiful surroundings of Wade Oval — you can’t miss by showing up on summer Wednesdays starting Wed 6/18 at 6PM. While this series runs through late August, the time will get away from you before you know it… so get over there. Wade Oval Dr. and East Blvd. (Access from Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr.) Call 791-3900 for more info.

HOT Gourmets in the Garden This succulent, gastronomic series at the beautiful Cleveland Botanical Garden kicks off Wed 6/18 at 6PM with a bevy of flavorful taste sensations and showcasing local purveyors of culinary delights. Themes, regions and cooking styles abound during this regular summertime series, which runs through early September. Make your palate happy and enjoy al fresco dining (weather permitting). http://www.cbgarden.org.

Jersey Boys Playhouse Square offers up the nat’l touring production of this Broadway musical on 60s sensations Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons. This documentary-style stage production won four 2006 Tony Awards starts Wed 6/18 at 8PM; performances run through mid-July. See http://www.playhousesquare.org for schedule, details and tix.

HOT Attention Roldo and Mansfield Fans!!! You religiously read them every week, now hear the pair of Cool Cleveland contributors live and in-person talking through Race, Politics & Cities: 40 Years After the Stokes Era on Thu 6/19. If you read Roldo’s column last week (check it out here) you know this will be a spectacular panel discussion. And if you’ve ever been to one of these CSU Levin College Forums, you know it’s par for the course. No cost, open to the public. http://urban.csuohio.edu/forum/events/06_19_08_stokes.html.

A Petite Grand Opening Check out the new Pinky’s Daily Planner Studio & Store during their Grand Opening Weekend starting Thu 6/19 from 5 – 8PM and running Fri 6/20 (6 – 11PM) and Sat 6/21 (5 – 8PM). Pinky’s label, independent designers & private vendors from around the world, high-end & designer resale and Asian imports will be available… not even to mention the “booze ‘n’ food.” 2403 Professor Ave., Tremont. http://www.pinkysdailyplanner.com.

Ohio City Wine Tastings kick off with the first installment A Taste of Italy, held Thu 6/19 from 6 – 8PM; the home of Ed and Irene Morrow (2707 Monroe Ave.) serves as the venue. The first tasting features a variety of delicious Italian appetizers — antipasto, bruschetta, tapenade, smoked salmon, a romaine salad, skewers of Italian sausage or chicken and a lemon dessert — and all matched to a wonderful selection of Italian wines. Capacity is limited to the first 30 people purchasing advance tickets only; proceeds benefit Ohio City Near West Development Corp. Click for tickets here or you can call 781-3222.

St. Demetrios Greek Festival Enjoy Greek music, activities, dynamite nosh and cultural shopping! Some of the most delectable food on the entire West side is served up starting Thu 6/19 at 11AM and running throughout the whole weekend. Hours: Fri 6/20 and Sat 6/21 from 11AM – 11PM and Sun 6/22 from 11AM – 10PM. St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 22909 Center Ridge Rd., Rocky River. No cost, open to the public. Call 440-331-2246 for more.

HOT Coventry Street Arts Fair It’s a party like no other Thu 6/19 from 6 – 9PM, featuring a spectacular slate of arts and culture events. Check out the band Vital Mines, laugh with the Something Dada comedy troupe, bop with the Cleveland Jazz Project and hear the iconic Harvey Pekar at Mac’s Backs! The Cleveland Museum of Art will be running family art projects during the evening and Coventry merchants will hold their traditional “Sidewalk Sale.” Grab some nosh from Coventry restaurants and check out local artists, farmers, and vendors. Spend Your Summers at the Coventry Street Arts Fairs! http://www.coventryvillage.org/events.html.

SPONSORED: June 29, 2008 is the Centennial of Leroy Anderson, the composer of popular light orchestral music such as The Syncopated Clock, Bugler’s Holiday and Sleigh Ride. On Sun 6/29 at 1PM, WCLV 104.9 will present a two hour Tribute to Leroy Anderson, hosted by conductor Leonard Slatkin and the composer’s son Kurt Anderson. The program features concert performances and world broadcast premiere recorded performances. Full details on all of WCLV’s unique programming can be found at http://www.WCLV.com.

Gracious Gardens of Shaker Heights Twilight Benefit The Shaker Historical Society hosts this fun benefit on Fri 6/20 starting at 6PM at the Marshall Mansion an elegant tudor-style home located at 3074 Lee Rd., Shaker Hegihts. Enjoy a tour of the renovated landmark home, hearty hors’doeuvres, delectable desserts, live music and an array of exciting Silent Auction and raffle items. The benefit is the major fundraiser for the Shaker Historical Society. Call 921-1201 for info and details.

GroundWorks Dance Theater The mighty Cle dance troupe offers a weekend of performances at Cain Park — featuring the works of Artistic Director David Shimotakahara and others — beginning Fri 6/20 at 7:30PM. The program repeats Sat 6/21 at 7:30PM and Sun 6/22 at 2PM. As their website professes, expect something “not so obvious.” http://www.notsoobvious.com. http://www.cainpark.com.

HOT Celebrate Passport Project’s Birthday Party on Fri 6/20 from 7PM – midnight with the staff of the community arts center on Buckeye Rd. as they look back on 4 years!! Step through the door and experience a whirlwind of world music and dance, a sharp photography exhibit of photos from Guinea, W. Africa, tasty nosh and a whole lot more. We’re big fans of Chloë Hopson and Passport Project and we’re convinced they’re out to change the world through respect and diversity. 12801 Buckeye Rd. http://passportproject.org.

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival produces its 11th season of free outdoor performances starting Fri 6/20 and running through early August in locations across NEO. Continuing its mission to produce plays written or influenced by William Shakespeare, this summer one of The Bard’s greatest tragedies, Hamlet, will be performed in rotating repertory with Tom Stoppard’s tragicomedy, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead. Details and locations for the entire season can be found at http://www.clevelandshakes.org.

Luau at the Lock Celebrate the first day of summer at Luau at the Lock: Downtown Summer Kick-off Party. Hosted by Downtown Akron Partnership, the fun starts Fri 6/20 at at Lock 3 Park, from 4 – 7PM. Grab some friends from the office and enjoy live entertainment, discounted adult bevvies, fun summer games, giveaways and a “Taste of Downtown” featuring delectable nosh from more than 15 downtown Akron restaurants. Stay after the Luau for WONE-FM 97.5’s “Rock the Lock” concert series featuring Gypsies in the Palace, A Tribute to Chief Parrotheat, Jimmy Buffett. http://www.downtownakron.com.

A New 21st Century Economy Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club, will speak about the new economy we need to create and accelerate at noon on Fri 6/20 at The City Club of Cleveland. During his tenure of 30 years, Sierra Club added 150K new members, was named the most influential environmental organization in D.C. by the Aspen Institute, and has helped protect nearly 10 million acres of wilderness, including California’s Giant Sequoias National Monument. http://www.cityclub.org.

The Fourth Annual Ohio Lavender Festival will take place this weekend starting Fri 6/20 at DayBreak Lavender Farm in Streetsboro. Learn all about those beautiful, fragrant purple delights and see just how amazingly versatile they can be! 2129 Frost Rd. Streetsboro. Call 330-626-3235, email: soapplease1@aol.com or visit http://www.ohiolavenderfestival.com.

SPONSORED: Attention Party Animals! Why not try the most “UnNatural Affair” you’ve ever seen at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Summer Solstice Party on Fri 6/20 from 6 to 10PM? Join the Nature League for this popular annual party on the Observatory Deck. Enjoy tours of Mueller Observatory, food, cocktails and entertainment by DJs GO and Impure. Nature League members: $15; General admission: $20. Call the box office at 216-231-1177 to make your reservation or contact www.cmnh.org.

HOT Cleveland Pride launches Sat 6/21 and runs all day long, beginning with the Cle LGBT community’s supercool parade in the monring followed by the festival in Voinovich Park (at E. 9th St.) starting at noon. Live music, food, kid’s activities, arts, crafts and a whole host of other really fun activities. See for yourself! http://www.clevelandpride.org.

HOT Clifton Arts & Music Fest features Over 100 artists and entertainers highlight this fun annual summertime event. Live music, arts, crafts, food, and plenty of childrens’ activities meander all along Clifton Blvd. in Lakewood between W. 112th and W. 117th. Join the fun Sat 6/21 from 10AM – 6PM. Call 228-4383 for details. Details.

Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis Northeast Ohio residents are taking steps to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis — two painful, unpredictable diseases of the digestive tract — with this event Sat 6/21 from 5:30 – 9:30PM. Walkers at Progressive Field will raise crucial research dollars by participating in the nation’s largest annual event dedicated to finding cures for these debilitating diseases. This program is run by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, Northeast Ohio Chapter. http://www.cctakesteps.org/chapter/neoh.htm.

Ohio City Run & Crawl Runners throughout greater Cleveland soak up the unique urban vibe of this cool running event Sat 6/21 at 7PM. The Ohio City Run & Crawl is an evening 5K run through the streets of Cle’s historic Ohio City neighborhood followed by a pub and restaurant crawl featuring dozens of local establishments. Sights, sounds and suds of the neighborhood make this a must-do, along with live music in Market Square Park, post-race refreshments, a goody bag for runners, a short-sleeved race t-shirt, and awards for top finishers. Register: http://www.hermescleveland.com or call 623.9933.

Tremont Trek: 2008 Walking Home Tour On Sat 6/21 from 5:30 – 10:30PM, Tremont West Development Corp. offers rare peeks into 6 private homes in Cle’s historic n’hood. With a delectable, progressive dinner party provided by Tremont restaurants and wines selected by Wine Trends, the tour begins at Paul Duda Gallery / Robert Hartshorn Studio with music by soulful singer, Kiki and concludes at the brand new gallery space of Atmosphere Gallery with desserts from Grumpy’s, Lilly Handmade Chocolates & Sweet Mosaic by Heather Haviland. Info and tickets at 575-0920.

Youth Opportunities Unlimited Northeast Ohio’s largest youth workforce preparation nonprofit organization, will host Celebrating 25 Years of “Y.O.U.” on Sat 6/21 from 6:30 – 9:30PM at the Huntington Bank Rotunda, 917 Euclid Ave. The evening will recognize the individuals and organizations that had the vision 25 years ago to form Y.O.U., a public/private partnership, and those who are leaders in providing support for Y.O.U. today and in the future. http://www.youthopportunities.org.

BAYarts “One Artistic Yard Sale” Before regional artists get ready to hit the festival circuit, they will be opening up their studios for a “Make Me an Offer” Sale on BAYarts Campus, Sat 6/21 from 10AM – 4PM. Along with this informal event, will be an art supply sale and swap, items from BAYarts including furniture and props, music by the Heebie Jeebies on the outdoor stage and gallery shows in two galleries. The Coffee Station on BAYarts Campus will be open for beverages and light lunch. To participate in sale, donate items or to volunteer, call 440-871-6543 or info@bayarts.net. Located in Huntington Reservation across from Huntington Beach. 28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village. http://www.bayarts.net.

Jewish Food and Culture Festival The campus of the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, Siegal College and The Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland features a variety of Jewish foods, cultural activities and wares Sun 6/22 from 11AM – 4PM. This family-fun day features dozens of Jewish organizations and artists. Call 593-0575 for details. http://www.maltzjewishmuseum.org.

Tremont Farmers Market Beginning Sun 6/22 at 10AM, celebrate local food at the Tremont Farmers Market at the corner of Starkweather and Professor Aves in Lucky Park in Cle’s Tremont n’hood — a weekly event that runs through late fall. Featuring locally-grown produce, local artists, chef demonstrations, educational activities, and musical entertainment. Opening day features music from The Hiram Rapids Stumblers and One Dollar Hat, a chef demonstration at noon with Ricardo Sandoval from Fat Cats and a plant exchange with The Tremont Gardeners! Bring a plant and swap it for something new! Email tremontmarket@yahoo.com or call 575-0920.

Garden Party The Brooklyn Centre Community Association hosts its annual spring event at Riverside Cemetery, 3607 Pearl Rd. this Sun 6/22 at 1PM. Costumed narrators will portray famous “residents.” Continuous walking tours will be conducted throughout the afternoon. The Metroparks Zoo will be there selling ZOODOO, Friends of Big Creek will have a map display –“Then and Now” — and the Old Brooklyn Historical Society will have a “Who or What Is It?” display of old photos on the grounds. Music, light refreshments, a gift shop and a local genealogist will will be on hand as well. Call 351-0254 for more info/tix. Proceeds benefit our National Wildlife Community Effort.

Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market Grand Opening Come celebrate the bountiful weekly harvest Sun 6/22 from 10AM – 2PM. Choose from farm direct products while enjoying an array of special attractions. Renowned Irish dancer Patrick Campbell (owner of Campbell’s Dance Academy and former lead in Lord of the Dance) performs at 11AM. Great Lakes Brewing Company offers a chef demo and Westpark Massotherapy offers chair massages. Tunage by Brand New Hat. http://www.kammscorners.com.

SPONSORED: “It’s amaZIN” WVIZ/PBS and Heinen’s welcome California’s premier Zinfandel proprietors and winemakers to Cleveland to pour their Zins at this year’s amazing Zinfandel tasting event — “It’s amaZIN” — on Sat 7/19 at 7PM. Held at the Idea Center, 1375 Euclid Avenue. Tickets: $50 advance, $60 at door (if available). Visit www.wviz.org or call 216-916-0110.

Liverpool Life Known professionally in some circles as “Mike McGear”, Mike McCartney is a British musician and rock photographer and the younger brother of the Fab Four’s Paul. He attended the Liverpool Institute two years behind his brother, and has focused on photojournalism throughout his career. He makes a personal appearance Wed 6/25 in advance of his photo exhibition at the Rock Hall Liverpool Life will be on display until late September. Details on McCartney’s appearance at http://www.rockhall.com.

Send your cool events to: Events@CoolCleveland.com

Girls Night: The Musical stars talk about Girl Power
Cleveland Play House

Renee Colvert & Crystal Kellogg, stars of Girls Night: The Musical, talk with Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready about the phenomenon of girl power, reflected in everything from recent films celebrating the new women’s liberation, to the ubiquity of the Cosmopolitan on every martini bar menu. Not only do the actresses of Girls Night perform in the fun-loving show, they also enjoy going out for the occasional girls nights out themselves.

They discuss how things have changed since they were little girls. Up until recently, people would tell young ladies that anyone can be president, but none of them really thought it would happen. Now that the glass ceiling is gone (at least in American politics), and it is simply accepted that a woman like Hillary Clinton can run for President, all that is changed.

In some ways, the girls have passed the boys in their fun-loving escapades at bachelorette parties. While men stick to tried-and-true (read: cliched) routines of strippers, alcohol and stag films, women have a much wider (and wilder) palette to choose from. Listen to the video to hear Renee and Crystal describe how a shirt covered in Life Savers was utilized to good effect at a recent girls night out.

For your own fun night out, catch the show, in town at the Cleveland Play House now thru Sun 7/6. Get a Cool Cleveland discount to Girls Night: The Musical! $10 off a ticket to any performance thru Sun 6/29. Click the link below, and use the promotion code “COOL.” http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/showinfo.asp?eventID=29

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Shaker Hts’ Jim Gilmore and partner Joe Pine’s Authenticity is #7 in TIME’s “10 Ideas That Are Changing The World” Read
A state panel will evaluate county reform according to a post found here
Nat City acknowledging scrutiny by the Feds according to this latest article. Click
Apparently the folks at the Barron’s blog ain’t too impressed with Nat City either. Click
Jacobs thinking Public Square for a new office tower. Read
Eco-friendly hotel planned for the Flats, following E&Y lead on LEED for their new complex. Click
District of Design moves from concept to reality. Click
More PD woes, newspaper suffering in this latest article here
Ten Thousand Villages named one of “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by the folks at Forbes Magazine. Click
No Siphoning Our Water to Dry Lands, Please!

Michelle Tomallo
FIT Technologies

Isn’t it great when a fantastic local company does well. FIT Technologies vice president and co-founder Michelle Tomallo spoke with Thomas Mulready of Cool Cleveland about not only their relatively new location in the Ideacenter building, but also their new collaborative working relationships with Ideacenter, Playhouse Square Management, and the Playhouse Square Foundation. FIT Technologies has made great progress in the past few years, having doubled their revenue from ’05-’06, then again from ’06 to ’07, to their current size of about $14M, and recently having been nominated as a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year Award Ernst & Young. You’ll soon hear about their involvement in a local tech incubator that is being launched in the region, although much of this remains top secret. They are working with Tri-C’s new Corporate College location in Solon, and they are opening up discussions about a wireless mesh in Youngstown. As for community involvement, FIT Technologies continues to be involved in fundraising and contributing to recent events such as the Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club’s recent Velocity event. One of the ways that FIT assists clients is with an initial IT Assessment, where they come in and look at a company’s networks, desktops, phone systems, and security set-up, then develop a recommendation of best practices. As a company, FIT Technologies has moved from a focus on the schools and educational industry to financial services, law, health care and other industry sectors. Now they are helping to advise real estate developers on how to get their buildings wired for wi-fi in order to attract tenants and residents. http://www.FITTechnologies.net

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Pump up the Volume at WHACC Luncheon at Winking Lizard Wed 6/18 feat. David Gilbert, Prez of Gtr Cle Sports Comm. More
HOT Race, Politics & Cities with Cool Cleveland’s Roldo Bartimole & Mansfield Frazier at CSU Thu 6/19 here
Delos M. “Toby” Cosgrove, M.D. Pres./ CEO, Cle Clinic, speaks at Akron Roundtable luncheon on Thu 6/19 at 11:45AM @ Tangier Restaurant, 532 West Market Street, Akron. Call 330-376-7171 or Click
Think Plexus at Cle Pride and meet the LGBT Professional Org Sat 6/21. Learn more about their networking events! Click
Learn about ops in the wind industry at this Ohio ICE event Mon 6/23 at 6PM. Details and Registration
Digital Cocktails 3.0 Sponsored by Wonder Bar is third installment of n’working Cle’s tech and creative services industries Thu 6/26 at 6PM. Want in? RSVP to 298-4050 or email: valerie@wonderbarcleveland.com
Check out the Cle Hispanic Biz Expo w/ over 20 exhibitors and 200 attendees registered to date Thu 6/26 from 5 – 8PM. Click
Effective eMarketing Strategies for Nonprofits on Wed 7/11 starting at 9AM. Learn how to supercharge your outreach, advocacy, events and impact! Register

HOT 21st Century Philanthropy Explored at The City Club of Cleveland on Thu 6/19 at 11:30AM. Forum features a panel including Lee Chilcote, a founding member of Cleveland Colectivo and Cool Cleveland contributor. http://www.cityclub.org.

HOT Collaboration: Great Lakes Manufacturing Advantage Regional leaders from the eight Great Lakes states and Canadian Provinces of Ontario and Quebec gather at the Marriott Cleveland Downtown at Key Center Wed 7/9 – Fri 7/11. Togetether, they’ll work out collaborative plans and programs that address issues facing business in the Great Lakes Region. http://www.greatlakesmanufacturing.org.

Coming of Age in the Ghetto

I would venture to guess that few men can — upon reflection years later — recall the instance or incident whereupon they started to become men; where, when and what happened that caused them to take their first, tentative, mental step onto the bridge that would ultimately lead them across the yawning chasm that separates soft, carefree puberty from the onset of the hardening of eventual manhood. Fortunately for me I can recall the time and date of the beginning of my personal transition with such an evocative clarity I swear it seems as if the vignette played out only yesterday.

It was not something I did — but rather — something I, in the waning moments of my childhood, was about to witness. It was to be one of those father/son lessons that have been transmitted down from generation to generation since the beginning of time. The type of lesson that is taught by doing, not by telling — the type which becomes permanently ingrained on the psyche of the young person on the receiving end in such an indelible manner that it lasts a lifetime. A lesson learned simply by the witnessing of it; not by being told how to be a man, but by simply watching a man be a man…
Read more from Mansfield B. Frazier here

AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland’s Earl Pike
Their Executive Director on “Cleveland HIV Testing Week” and Beyond

This coming Monday, June 23 marks Day One of Cleveland’s HIV Testing Week. The National Association of People with AIDS created National HIV Testing Day in 1995 to encourage community groups to interact with local residents to promote HIV testing and awareness on a one-on-one basis. Cleveland has held HIV Testing Week ever since, and AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland Executive Director Earl Pike has high hopes for the difference this outreach continues to make each year.

“It’s become more significant with each passing year,” Pike believes, “in part because it’s so clear now that if people with HIV get good medication–and they can get good medication now–that their long-term chances of survival are infinitely better than they were 15 years ago. So it’s a little bit like cancer these days, in that early detection matters, and that’s why we want people to get tested.”

Two years ago, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) selected Cleveland and a handful of other cities to take part in a social marketing campaign to push for HIV testing among minority women, and the numbers of African-American and Latina women participating in testing rose considerably, according to Pike. Cleveland is also one of the leaders in the quest for alternative methods to prevent the spread of HIV…
Read more from Dana Aritonovich here

On May 16th 17 year old illegal immigrant Maria Isabel Vasquez Jimenez died. She had collapsed 2 days earlier after working 8 HOURS in the blistering heat tending vines for Merced Farm Labor, makers of Charles Shaw wine aka “Two Buck Chuck ” marketed by Trader Joe’s…” Comment from BFD:

Would this change your purchases? Comment on Brewed Fresh Daily

Cleveland’s Literary Godfather Steps Down
A Conversation with Creative Writing Catalyst Dr. Neal Chandler

For the past 19 years, meeting Dr. Neal Chandler has been something of a rite of passage for local aspiring authors. You confess to someone—a bookstore employee, a co-worker, a librarian—that you’re a writer, and he or she says knowingly, “Oh, then you have to meet Neal.” So you go down to Cleveland State University and take the oh-so-slow elevator to the 18th floor of Rhodes Tower to the English Department.

Once there, you find yourself in the presence of a tall, bearded, slightly stooped man who may be the only Mormon magical realism writer you’re likely to encounter outside of Utah. And then you’re sucked in. Perhaps you decide to start attending the weekly Public Fiction workshop or you attend the annual Imagination Writers’ Conference. Maybe you go whole hog and sign up for the creative writing program at Cleveland State.

This rite of passage is about to end, however, as Chandler is retiring from Cleveland State this year—just as soon as he hosts the last Imagination Conference. He’ll be passing the reins of CSU’s creative writing program and the conference to Imad Rahman, who comes to CSU from the University of Kansas. Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Petrone sat down with Chandler last week to talk about his time at Cleveland State, writing programs, and the Imagination Conference…
Read more from Susan Petrone here

Where in the world is Erica Martinez?
Mr. Ohio Gay Pride on Politics, Stonewall and Cleveland Pride

No one has seen Cleveland’s premier drag queen for over a year! Never fear — Erica’s alter ego, Paco Martinez, is here. And Mr. Ohio Gay Pride 2008 is just as politically aware, pissed off about gay Republicans, and passionate about community involvement and self-respect. To help celebrate Pride month, which includes the Cleveland Pride celebration this Saturday, June 21 at Voinovich Park, long-time LGBT ally and Cool Cleveland contributor Dana Aritonovich sat down with the effusive and enthusiastic Paco for a long afternoon chat in his cozy, family photo-covered Cleveland home. And after only a few short minutes of off-the-record gossip, Paco jumped right into politics, Stonewall and Cleveland Pride, no questions asked.

Paco Martinez: I listen to these Republican radio stations, and it’s so funny because they’re always like, “If you only knew what gay people did behind closed doors…” I love these straight people: “Oh, my life’s gonna fall apart if [gays] get married!” What does it concern you? If your neighbors are gay and they’re married, don’t talk to ’em, you know? Respect them. It confuses me. What does it bother you so much? Oh, and then they always say, “Marriage is sacred, marriage is sacred.” If marriage is so sacred, then why, every time I turn around, another straight couple’s getting divorced? Mind your own business, as long as you do not hurt children, and you do not hurt animals, and as long as you’re consenting adults, what you do behind closed doors is nobody’s business but your own. Everybody wants to get into everybody else’s business instead of worrying about their own business…
Read more from Dana Aritonovich here

Links to interesting NEO blogs

A better way to weed–using a flame thrower.
Cleveland is one of the top earning cities for financial analysts.
Will higher fuel costs help to bring back cities?
Positively Cleveland refuses to promote non-member events.
Time Mag’s blog covers NEO Blogosphere’s Blogging in Tongues campaign.
Is Gratitude part of your business strategy?
Lev Gonick thinks the greening of tech in NEO is long overdue.

Natty Dreads For All: First Light Reunites

A couple of short weeks ago, the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights hosted a secret gig; their usually verbiose website nearly gave the surprise away. “Do not miss this one!!! The Return of Buck. Sumerian Marble Music… with a Twist! Thursday May 29, 9PM. $5.” Inside the club, an intimate crowd soaked in the summery sounds of First Light — Cleveland’s legendary reggae outfit — taking the stage together for the first time since their final bow in May of 1998 at the old Odeon concert club in the Flats. “It was definitely like being in a time machine,” singer-guitarist Carlos Jones said, post-rehearsal gig. “We were a little rusty at first, but those old moves are back.”

An integral part of Cleveland’s music scene — and some would argue of the city’s summer — the band has reunited for a gig to celebrate a 10 year reunion this Saturday, June 21 at 8PM at the Nautica Entertainment Complex Pavilion. This summer also marks 20 years since the band released their quintessential CD, Reggae Meltdown. Yes, everyone’s back to groove: Chopper (guitars/ bass/ vocals), Carlos Jones (vocals/ rhythm guitars), Gino Long (guitar/ bass/ vocals), Bob Caruso (percussion), Ed Marthey (keyboards/ vocals) and Rod Reisman (drums). And based on the chemistry this writer has heard already, the reunion gig will be exactly as Jones has described — like being in a time machine. Word is that hoping for more than a simple one-off performance by First Light is clutching at straws… at least for now. So get your groove on this weekend, Cleveland. It may be your last shot. Afro-Electroniqué faves Mifuné open the gig. Click here for details and tickets.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Photo by Anastasia Pantsios

Predictable Downsizing at the Pee Dee

The downsizing at The Plain Dealer likely was predictable when the Newhouse family, billionaire owners of the Cleveland newspaper, brought Terry Egger (2006) and Susan Goldberg (2007) here as publisher and editor, respectively. The paper, we learned last week, planned to reduce the number of pages by 35 each week. That’s a significant reduction. It means 1,820 fewer news pages during a year. The cuts are suggesting a particularly bad judgment call for elimination of one of two opinion pages.

The plan also calls for a 20 percent reduction in the editorial workforce. That also is significant and follows a recent buyout that reduced the news staff by 17 percent. “Pretty gloomy,” says a reporter of the staff morale. Reductions likely mean layoffs and no or small pay increases. Younger reporters are most worried, it is said…
Read more from Roldo Bartimole here

Eastern Standard Time
The Magpies

You might remember them by rollicking sound alone or by their former moniker Roger Hoover & the Whiskeyhounds. Either way, The Magpies’ lightheaded fusion of folk, R&B and gritty, blues-based Americana is sure to touch your heartland soul. Eastern Standard Time, the Magpies’ “debut” album offers tabula rasa of sorts for Hoover and mates Justin Gorski (accordion/ piano/ keyboards), Chris Yohn (bass) and Dave McKean (drums). With a sound offering less country-fried crunch and more moonshine swoon than the ‘Hounds used to deliver, this feels like the transition Bob Dylan made between his acoustic and electric phases — granted on a slightly smaller scale. The Magpies are an authentic roots rock band and Eastern Standard Time shows there’s no doubt about it. You can bet your Olds 442 on it.

These songs are louder, more structured and accessible; they’re very much fortified by Springsteen-like flouishes, Wilco-like intentionality and meaty choruses that split those proverbial uprights. Everything about Eastern Standard Time is well-reasoned, making the melodies, poetic compositions and harmonic approach pull together exquisitely well. Songs like “Picture Me in a Love Song, the chiming “Tea Kettle” and “Elizah Jane” sport a roadhouse focus and a dirt-under-the-nails approach, while rootsy folk ballads like “Girl on the Hill” recall the band’s earlier moniker and approach. The band jokes that their house was broken when they changed their name and [i]nstead of fixing the house, they burnt the house down. It’s hard to argue with that analogy listening to Eastern Standard Time, but if you loved the Whiskeyhounds (see their “Cobblestone Road”), you’re not exactly in unfamiliar territory, either.

The Magpies perform this Thursday, June 19 at the West End Tavern in Lakewood. They’ve also got a “4th of July” gig planned for the Happy Dog in Cleveland. Details on both shows at http://www.magpiesmusic.com.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Wanna get reviewed? Send your band’s CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107

Quick reviews of recent events
Submit your own review or commentary to Events@CoolCleveland.com

Angelin Chang/Erich Eichhorn @ CSU 6/11 A faculty recital at Cleveland State University is generally an enjoyable experience, especially if the faculty involved are pianist Angelin Chang and violinist Erich Eichhorn. This particular recital had a bit of poignancy built in, as Mr. Eichhorn had, five days earlier, retired from The Cleveland Orchestra, having been a member of the first violin section for 40 years. After last month’s disastrous earthquake in China, however, the Cleveland Council on World Affairs approached CSU’s president Michael Schwartz with the idea of making the recital a benefit performance (normally, there would have been no admission fee). Dr. Schwartz was immediately receptive to the idea, and with the help of Anthony Yen and the Tenax Corporation, the campaign was launched.

The entire evening thus became a giant love-in on many levels. There were an abundance of local politicians present, encouraging the supporters of this event. Certificates were presented to all participants by the offices of Mayor Jackson, presented by Councilman Joe Cimperman and Senator Voinovich, presented by his liaison with the city, Mr. Reed. Ronn Richard of the Cleveland Foundation and Peter Lawson Jones, County Commissioner also spoke, briefly as did Mark Santo of the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, and Eddie Ni, of the Yellow Tail Buffet in Fairlawn. Anthony Yen was the genial and informal master of ceremonies, practicing to be a stand-up comedian. (That remark is meant in an entirely complimentary manner as he had everyone laughing almost continually as he spoke.)

By evening’s end, more than $25,000. had been raised, an impressive amount, but still a mere pittance when confronted by the effects of the earthquake: 70,000 known dead, 300,000 injured and more than 5 million persons left homeless. As a point of reference, the population of the entire State of Ohio is eleven million.

Ms. Chang, a 2007 Grammy winner, displayed her sensitive yet authoritative and very poetic style in the Serenade or Ständchen from Schwanengesang by Schubert. This was followed by Papillons, Op. 2 by Schumann. There are so many moods in this cycle, and Ms. Chang captured every one of them, distilling them all into a musical essence not soon forgotten.

She closed the first half of the program with the Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 543/S.462 of Johann Bach, as transcribed by Franz Lizst, who came to maturity almost a century after the death of Bach. Had the piano (as we know it) not been invented in the meantime, Lizst would surely have had to invent it himself, for no mere harpsichord could stand up to the demands of his imagination. Fortunately, Ms. Chang is a pianist who has no fear of Liszt (or anyone else, I think) and provided an incredible listening experience.

After the brief intermission, Mr. Eichhorn joined his colleague on stage for the Sonata for Violin and Piano in D minor, Op. 108 by Johannes Brahms. This work, from late in the composer’s life, finds him at the peak of his composing skills, creating difficulty for all participants! However, these two masters were not in awe of it. They’ve no doubt performed it many times in past years.

The first two movements displayed beautiful playing by both musicians, but in the third, Brahms suddenly uncorks a sense of humor. Brahms! Really. A delightful sequence ensues with syncopation and rhythmic off-beats, first by the piano then the violin. A few measures later, the violin plucks on the off-beats, as the piano continues on its way. With no pause or hesitation, it’s Boom! Right into the fourth movement Presto Agitato, which totally lived up to its name, with lots and lots of notes! Intensity and passion were the bywords of this collaboration, which resulted in an immediate and well-deserved standing ovation.

If you would like to contribute to Earthquake Relief in China, the Cleveland Council on World Affairs will be more than happy to accept your donations which are tax-deductible. All proceeds go directly to the Red Cross Society of China, and will provide aid to victims, including medical care and relief item distribution. Checks should be made payable to: Red Cross Society of China – Earthquake Relief. Mail to: CCWA, 812 Huron Road, Suite 620, Cleveland OH 44115

For more information, call 781-3730 x102. Although there is no specific information posted about the Earthquake Relief Fund, the website is: http://www.ccwa.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com

Girls Night Out @ CPH 6/12 Before the opening night performance of Girls Night Out: The Musical at the Cleveland Play House, the ladies were stoked. Many had already had their fill of Cosmos (the favored drink of the Sex and the City crowd) and were ready to let loose. Some made it perfectly clear that they were not thrilled with the four males who had braved the hordes of women to attend. Unfortunately, all the gals’ enthusiasm was for naught — ‘Girls Night” is just another retread of that same old stuff that’s been seen before. It’s so poorly constructed that, in spite of a before curtain announcement that the ladies were going to be dancing in the aisles, the first opportunity to do so didn’t take place until a few minutes before intermission.

Take a trite plot, throw in some “women’s power” songs, add a bunch of off-color innuendoes, and a well-endowed male blow-up doll, add a few good singers, and hope that the audience’s enthusiasm carries the day. It didn’t. After a while even those who had an edge on, lost it as the dullness and the alcohol settled in, and the stories about bras, the pain of giving birth, stupid boy friends, dumb husbands and pregnancy, lost their edge. The cast is talented. Some of the songs like “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” “The Love of My Man,” and “I Am What I Am,” were well done. Some of the shticks worked, most just fell flat.

Capsule judgment: In spite of good intentions, this is basically an uninspired, uncreative, unappealing production. The question is, why did the prestigious Cleveland Play House invite this touring company into its venue?

Girls Night runs through July 6 at the Bolton theatre. For tickets to CPH shows call 795-7000 or go to http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com
Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2008, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

Anything Goes @ Porthouse 6/13 Cole Porter’s Anything Goes, now on stage in a delightful production at Porthouse Theatre, is one of those shows that shouldn’t be, but is. And, it shouldn’t be as much fun as it is at Porthouse, but it also, is! The original producer, Vinton Freedley, who lived on a boat, decided to make a musical based on his experiences. He hired a star, Ethel Merman, and had the musical Hard to Get written. The title changed numerous times, finally becoming Anything Goes.

Just before the show opened, a fire destroyed the passenger ship SS Morro Castle. As a result of the deaths of 137, most of the original script was trashed and a new version written. This creation was called “a hopeless mess” by one theatre historian. So, more versions were attempted during the preview performances, with songs, characters and plots coming and going.

Legend has it that things were so bad that the night before the show opened the script was incomplete. A member of the production team supposedly said, “And just how in the hell are we going to end the first act?” The producer, being more helpful than he realized, said “anything goes!” Porter went into action, and, one of the great musical theatre production numbers was born. (The number is nothing short of astounding in the Porthouse production under the chorographic genius of MaryAnn Black).

Anything Goes opened in New York in 1934 at the height of the depression and it ran 420 performances, becoming the fourth longest-running musical of the 1930s. This, despite the impact of the Great Depression.

A 1936 movie starring Ethel Merman and Bing Crosby, a television version staring Merman and Frank Sinatra, and numerous revivals have followed.

This is not a great musical. The story line is trite, songs have been added and deleted with no real reason, which is an indication that this is not a well-made musical in which the songs and the story are so intertwined that one supports the other. For example, “Easy To Love” one of the present show’s hits, was not in the original nor the 1962 production, but was written for a 1987 revival. “Friendship” also was not in the original. In fact it written for Dubarry Was a Lady, but it, too, was put into the 1987 production.

To add an issue… Porter, a wordsmith, wrote very clever lyrics, but they contain 1930’s references, unknown to many present day audience. Worry not, it makes little difference.

The story is set aboard a luxury liner bound for London and concerns Billy Crocker’s comic pursuit of socialite Hope Harcourt as he hides aboard the ship on which she is traveling with her English fiancé. The plot is enlivened with nightclub evangelist Reno Sweeney and the real and supposed public enemies sought by the captain to spice up the voyage.

The Porthouse production, under the very adept direction of Terri Kent, makes for a perfect summer evening entertainment. Besides wonderful singing voices, this is one dance-talented cast. They hoof and tap with enthusiasm, they have fun, and so does the audience.

Sandra Emerick captivates as Reno Sweeney, the Vegas-style evangelist. She sings, acts and dances with enthusiastic excellence. Eric van Baars makes a perfect foil as the up-tight Lord Evelyn. Justin Gentry, he of good singing voice and stage presence, gives the role of Billy a nice vulnerable quality. Rohn Thomas is good as Moonface Martin, but he could have been more comically dynamic (think Bert Lahr).

Though not listed as one the show’s lead role, MaryAnn Black grabs and holds the audience as the air-headed Erma. Black is amazing. She dances circles around the “kids” on stage who are probably one-third her age. Her high kicks and tap-dancing wizardry stopped the show on at least two occasions.

Nancy Andersen Wolfgang’s musical direction, Robert Wolin’s set design, Sarah Russell’s costumes, Cynthia Stillings’ lighting design and Jason Potts sound design, all work well.

Capsule judgment: Porthouse’s production is a total delight. Sail away to an evening of fun by floating down to Porthouse. It’s worth the outlay of gas money to get to this production. BRAVO!!!!!!

Anything Goes continues at KSU’s Porthouse Theatre, through June 28. For tickets call 330-672-4102. or 800-304-2363. Porthouse’s next production is Alice, running from July 3 through July 19, is directed by Matthew Earnest, who gave us the creative and audience appealing Peter Pan at Porthouse.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com
Roy Berko’s blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2008, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info.

The End of the World… @ Cleveland Cinemateque 6/14 With the debut screening of his behind-the-scenes look into the rise and fall of the former WENZ-FM 107.9 (the End) radio station, documentary filmmaker Michael Wendt did Cleveland radio proud Saturday night. Featuring personal interviews from some of the seminal station’s on-air and behind the scenes talent Wendt was able to capture a moment in Cleveland radio history that has yet to be recreated since the station’s demise in 1999. With individual accounts from Brian and Joe, Vic Gideon, Maria Farina, Sue Csendes, Pat “the Producer” Johnson, Marshall Goudy and Rick “Rocco” Bennett, Wendt weaved together the story of the station’s seven-year history in a quick, concise, and visually appealing style. Graphics showing the Cleveland skyline and map of the station’s early radio tower location were well done for a low budget production.

Not since the early years of WMMS had a local station and it’s DJs made such an impact on its audience. Providing the forum to tell stories about their smoke and mirrors promotions and the infamous Endfests, Wendt further connected the faces behind the mics with their still-loyal fans. Wendt’s doc would be enhanced with the inclusion of interviews with the local artists; many of whom launched record deals and opening slots with national acts based on their exposure on the Inner Sanctum program. It would have been nice to see host Jim Benson’s segments cut-in with pieces from bands such as Dink, Slack Jaw, Paranoid Lovesick, and Richard Patrick (Filter).

The attention to these local musicians were as much a part of the End’s success as the station was to theirs. For its short tenure, the End formed a win-win relationship between the DJs, the bands, and all the listeners. In today’s climate of corporate, formatted radio it was nice to sit back and revisit the old days; when DJs, program directors, and promotions managers had their own say and they spoke the same language as their audience.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Christine Young itsmecayATcox.net

Most clicked
Here are the Top 5 most clicked links from last week’s issue, with one more chance for you to click.

1) Tour the World at Cleveland’s cultural festivals.
A Celebration of Art in the Offing and Cleveland’s Cultural Festivals

2) Geniocity The site is now live with creativity, art & The Geniocity Shop.
www.Geniocity.com

3) Girls Night: The Musical It’s not just for girls. Well, maybe….
Video #1 and Video #2 and Cool Cleveland ticket discount

4) My House is Worth What? is coming to Cleveland.
www.PieTown.tv

5) Big cuts at Ohio’s biggest paper, by Cool Cleveland’s Roldo Bartimole.
realNEO.us

Cleveland Pride We’ve got it every week thanks to Peter Chakerian, T.L. Champion, George Nemeth, Dana Aritonovich, Christine Young, Victor Lucas and Elsa Johnson, Susan Petrone, Claudia J. Taller, Kelly Ferjutz, Mansfield B. Frazier, Roy Berko, Roldo Bartimole and the rest of the Hard Corps family. And lastly, though certainly not least, thanks to our readers and everyone who partners with us. Want to volunteer and contribute your writing to Cool Cleveland? Send your reviews, articles, or story ideas to: Events@CoolCleveland.com.

Download the Cool Cleveland podcasts and videos each week at http://www.CoolCleveland.com
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